Benjamin Wyon was born in
London on 9 January 1802, the son of Thomas Wyon, the elder, chief engraver of the seals
from 1816 to 1830. His older brother Thomas, the younger, chief engraver to the mint
from 1815 to 1817, instructed Benjamin in the art of engraving. On 10 January 1831,
Benjamin was appointed chief engraver of the seals, remaining in that post until his
death on 21 November 1858.